Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon and a delegation of opposition MPs arrived in Tbilisi this week for a working visit under the Moldova–Georgia parliamentary friendship group. The visit, officially framed as an effort to deepen “parliamentary cooperation,” has already drawn criticism.
The delegation, led by Socialist Party MP Bogdan Țîrdea, includes other pro-Russian lawmakers from Dodon’s party, as well as opposition MPs Vasile Costiuc (“Democracy at Home”) and Olga Ursu (“Alternative Bloc”). Members of Moldova’s ruling party, Action and Solidarity (PAS), founded by President Maia Sandu, did not participate.
Dodon, who served as Moldova’s president from 2016 to 2020 and is closely associated with Moscow, said the visit was at the invitation of the Georgian side and aimed to strengthen ties, particularly at the legislative level. Before arriving in Tbilisi, he had been in Russia.
During the visit, the Moldovan delegation held the first official meeting of the Moldova–Georgia parliamentary friendship groups. Georgian Dream MPs Isko Daseni, Mariam Lashkhi, and Gia Benashvili took part. Dodon wrote on social media that the topics included Georgia’s experience in defending national interests, ensuring economic resilience, and preserving traditional values.
The Georgian Parliament confirmed the meeting, saying the parties discussed existing bilateral relations and prospects for closer parliamentary cooperation. Georgian Dream MP Daseni described the session as a step toward strengthening ties between the two countries.
The visit also includes consultations with the Georgian Parliament Speaker and representatives of various political factions. Moldovan watchdog organization WatchDog.MD noted that most delegation members are known for their pro-Russian positions and criticized Georgia for inviting “Russian conservatives” from Moldova.
Dodon was arrested in 2022 on corruption and treason charges but dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
